Shrine for the “Three Pioneering Gods”
Built in 1869, the Hokkaido Shrine was built for theThree Pioneering GodsŌkunitama, Ōkuninushi, and Sukunahikona. Surrounded by mountains in Maruyama, the shrine acted as spiritual support and as a gathering place for the people of Hokkaido under the name
Sapporo Shrine. In 1964, Emperor Meiji was enshrined and the building was renamed to
Hokkaido Shrine.The shrine was destroyed once in a fire in 1974 and reconstructed in 1978 where many come during the spring to enjoy the cherry blossoms and plum blossoms. The shrine also is home to the
Sapporo Festivalwhere lines of people parade Mikoshi down the streets to the shrine and is a popular spot during the New Years as well. Add the shrine to your vacation after a Japan tour in Hokkaido to join during the festivities or come during the spring to enjoy bright cherry blossoms in the spring!
